Northeast Region:

The Wildflowers of the Northeast

Wildflower gardening in the Northeast continues to gain in popularity and an understanding of the basic botanical environment is important. The Northeast is part of what botanists call the Great Northern Forest, and was solidly wooded when European colonists arrived. So it follows that most native wildflowers were shade-loving woodland perennials that enjoy somewhat acid (woodsy) soils, like the trilliums and violets.

But when heavy settlement began, our ancestors cleared forests to create farmland. And in those spaces, they planted crops. In with the crop seed they brought with them, were the seeds of European "weeds", so these sun-loving flower seeds immediately grew and made themselves at home. This is why Northeastern wildflowers today are a mixture of natives and "naturalized" flowers from other places. For example, goldenrod and black-eyed susan are native; the common daisy and chicory are from Europe. So what we see in a beautiful blaze of color along roadsides today is a mixture of the two.

With a short growing season and cold winters, the Northeastern landscape today retains its original forested history, so annual mowing of your wildflower meadow in fall is all-important. Any unmowed meadow in the region will revert to forest in about seven years. This is dramatically different from the wildflower habitats in the Great Plains and on the southern California coast which are natural grasslands and have never had solid stands of trees.

Unlike other Coneflowers, this unique variety has upward-facing petals, giving the flower a cup-like shape. A native variety, Tennessee Purple Coneflower is easy to grow and thrives in almost any sunny spot. More Details

This gorgeous plant produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love – It is extremely easy to grow and spreads quickly. Common Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. Perennial.More Details

Looking for a unique addition to your garden or meadow this year? This annual Ice Plant mixture is the perfect choice! Vibrant colors of orange, pink, purple, red and yellow liven up the summer garden and this succulent is easy to grow, needing full sun and well-draining soil. More Details

Swamp Milkweed is a red, showier variety of Common Milkweed. It is extremely elegant, producing willowy foliage and cherry-red blooms. It will also attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden or meadow. Perennial.More Details

Bring elegance and drama to the garden or meadow with Pincushion Flower. Bright, double flowers bloom in shades of pink, red and white, making a truly magnificent statement in the late season garden. The large blooms make great cut flowers and are butterfly magnets. Annual.More Details

Sweet, pastel-pink blooms add charm to the summer garden and are a butterfly magnet. Cutting blooms actually promotes flowers to come up in their place, so this pink beauty is perfect for arrangements! Lovely on its own or paired with a white Zinnia variety. Annual. More Details

Deep rose petals soften to a gentle cream color in the center, making this bi-color beauty a must-have in the late season meadow. Shorter in height, Carmine King is perfect for borders and even containers! Annual.More Details

Create a unique splash of color in your meadow with Cosmos Seashells. Each petal is shaped like a seashell and will ignite the garden in just weeks after planting. The gorgeous, contrasting colors and unique shape are a true conversation starter and must-have for the wildflower gardener! AnnualMore Details

This favorite flower is famous for its quick blooms and sweet fragrance. The brilliant pink flowers are a delight both in the garden and brought inside for fabulously-fragrant bouquets. (Lathyrus odoratus)More Details

So easy to grow and so reliable, annual cosmos lights up in midsummer and blooms continuously until frost. You’ll have plenty of blooms for cutting, too. A perfect addition to any custom blend. Annual.Looking for Cosmos seeds in packets?More Details

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